Home - Harlem Holiday Lighting

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday November 19, 2024

(Rain Date, Tuesday, November 26)

Misty Copeland

2024 GRAND MARSHAL

This year’s Harlem Holiday Lights theme “Dance! Harlem’s Heartbeat” pays tribute to Harlem’s storied history of dance and highlights its global influence and unparalleled contributions to the arts, culture and history.

Misty Copeland is a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the first Black woman to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history in 2015. She has performed some of the most iconic classical ballet roles, including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake; Juliet in Romeo & Juliet; Giselle; Manon; Coppelia; Kitri in Don Quixote; and Firebird, to name a few. Misty has been featured in several publications, including the cover of Time Magazine for the Time 100, as well as the covers of ESSENCE, Self, ELLE South Africa, Oxygen and Women’s Health. She has also appeared on CBS’ 60 Minutes, CBS Sunday Morning, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s The Today Show and Little Big Shots, celebrating extraordinary young people. In 2022, Misty launched, The Misty Copeland Foundation, a Harlem based organization, with its first signature program BE BOLD, that aims to bring greater diversity, equity and inclusion to dance, especially ballet.

Misty’s achievements in ballet as well as her dedication to empowering others, especially young people and aspiring artists, aligns with what we at the BID value; the unique history, culture, and spirit of Harlem.

What Is Harlem Holiday Lights

Harlem Holiday Lights is a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Harlem. What began with modest street decorations has grown into a spectacular one day event and the ONLY lighted parade in New York City! This year there will be newly designed light streaming across 125th street.

Harlem Holiday Lights is a FREE family friendly event that encourages shoppers to take advantage of the many businesses along 125th Street and to bring the Harlem community together to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!

Parade Route

Special Tribute

George Faison

The BID will pay special tribute to George Faison, DFA, University of Massachusetts and award winning, internationally celebrated producer, writer, essayist, composter, director, choreographer and dancer, made history in 1975 when he became the first African American to win a Tony Award of best choreography for The Wiz!

Dr. Faison began his career as a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His Broadway career began with the musical Purlie. After leaving the Ailey Company, he formed his own company, the George Faison Universal Dance Experience and went on to create several American dance classics of his own: Slaves, Suite Otis, Gazelle, and Poppie. He has also choreographed and staged concerts for musical greats including Ashford & Simpson, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Dionne Warwick, Stephanie Mills and many more.

George’s contributions have solidified his place in the arts community and exemplifies the international reach of Harlem’s cultural influence.

PAST Grand Marshals

Over the years, the BID has had the honor of welcoming an array of Grand Marshals who embody the essence of Harlem and its enduring legacy. From influential figures and celebrated celebrities to our very own local heroes, each grand marshal has brought their unique flair and heartfelt dedication to our beloved event.

Stephanie Pacheco, 2023

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Decorate Your Home or Business

Get into the holiday spirit and decorate your home or business with holiday lights to help us make the 125th Street more festive.

Sponsor A Watch Area

Set up in a designated area along the parade route outside your home or business where your employees, friends, and family can watch as the caravan goes by.

This is an excellent way to increase your brand’s visibility and contribute to a cherished neighborhood tradition.

To sponsor a watch area contact harlemholidaylights125@gmail.com

Special Deals and Discounts

Take advantage of the increased foot traffic during the parade and offer “Harlem Holiday Lights” store discounts for products of your choosing. Let us help you promote your deals as part of our social media campaign.

Send your sales and discounts to harlemholidaylights125@gmail.com

Sponsor A Float

Sponsoring a float during the caravan of lights is a wonderful way to highlight your business and demonstrate your support for the Harlem community. The floats are a central feature in the Caravan of lights allowing you to creatively display your brand and engage with the community in a festive and memorable way!

Community Float contact: Begona.bid125thst@gmail.com

Corporate Float contact: Darlene@coppermediagroup.com